Stacy Mcdonald-Taylor
Stacy, a former health care program manager, came to the first coast by way of Charlotte, NC. Passionate for community and creative arts. Stacy has worked with families and educators through Parent Education & Outreach Programs. Since welcoming the births of her and her husband’s two delightful, energetic sons, she has worked from home, always seeking to find new ways to provide a joy-filled, creative environment, nurturing a love for people, learning, nature, and healthy, natural/organic foods. Stacy shares tidbits of her “life learnings” on her blog, Wasting Nothing
Is Your Recycling Headed to the Landfill?
I cannot remember a time when recycling wasn’t a part of my life. As a child, I was surrounded by campaigns and curricula that explained the importance of it. In school, on Sesame Street,...
Who Needs Handwriting, Anyway?
I do most of my work on a computer, iPhone, or tablet. In fact, I am typing the draft of this blog post on my iPhone. I understand how it can seem as if...
Easy, At-Home Fourth of July Crafts
I cannot believe it is already the Fourth of July this week — summer is certainly flying by! Independence Day is an exciting time in Jacksonville, and there are so many amazing, fun community...
10 Things People Need to Stop Asking Moms
One of the things you learn from the moment you become a woman of child-bearing years is that almost everyone feels like they have a license to ask ridiculously personal details about your “mom...
Big Learning Apps for Little Kids
Screen time for toddlers and young children is one of those hot-button topics that often sparks debate in play circles. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued guidelines for screen time. They recommend...
Beyond Story Time: 10 Things You May Not Know About the Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library and its awesome librarians played a huge role during those tender pre-pre-K years with my children. Hopefully, you already know that all of our JPL branches have amazing story times, music...
Peter Rabbit, a Stone Cold Killer?
Let me preface this by saying my family loves Peter Rabbit.
The books, the cartoons, the little stuffed plushes. He is mischievous, quirky, and loves a garden as much as we do. The antics of...
Experience the Chinese New Year Celebration
You may think, with January in the rearview mirror, that New Year’s celebrations are done. If you do, you are missing out on one the best celebrations of the season. Because the Lunar New...
Finding Your Dory: Extending Grace in Troubled Times
Not too long ago, while I was volunteering at my son’s school, a fellow volunteer called me Dory. Dory, as in the little blue fish who originated in the animated classic, Finding Nemo. It...
Just Say No To Candy: Non-Food Valentines for Kids
Valentine’s Day is such a fun holiday. I enjoy the bubbly fun Valentine’s Day brings; but the candy-coated rush to get valentines ready for every friend, classmate, teacher, and tutor we have makes me...
No Spoilers Here: Making the Most of Your ‘Star Wars’ Movie Experience
"I am a Jedi, like my father before me."
True story, even though, I will admit I’m not a Skywalker. I can still remember playing with Star Wars toys on the living room floor with...
5 Ways to Cultivate Joy in Giving
I love this time of year. I am blasting holiday tunes in my car, festive lights are twinkling and my favorite side dishes are about to become a staple in my house again. Yum!...